I am looking at picking up a saw as my current one is less than good (cheap Craftsman 137 model saw). The one I am looking at is a Rockwell 34-400 that is currently in use and in great shape.

With a 2HP motor, 52” fence, and a large extension table would it be worth $225 since it does not really need any work? From the research I have done, it looks to be a good deal (even if I have to drive the 2 hours one way to get it). I have attached the picture that was sent to me of the setup.

Is there anything I need to be worried about with this saw? I am pretty new to wood working and want to get started with decent tools.

Thanks,

10 replies so far

The Unifence and motor are worth the asking price. It is an older model, and considered a bench top saw, but is actually more like a contractor saw in that the motor hangs out the back and it has a cast iron table. It uses a real induction motor, and definitely would be an upgrade from your existing bench saw with the universal screamer motor. The manual for the Delta 34-400 can be found here: http://vintagemachinery.org/pubs/detail.aspx?id=3158

It’s a good deal IMHO (and I bet you can get the seller down to $200 with cash in hand)

Cheers,Brad

-- Brad in FL - To be old and wise, you must first be young and stupid

Looks worth the money to me if it suits your needs. Condition is everything and we really can’t tell from the far away pic, but that fence if in good shape and dialed in makes a serious upgrade to that saw. Cut something on it if possible or at least hear it run. But if it’s in working order it’s worth the donero, you can always do some tweaks if you have the base saw to work with.

Thanks guys. I am trying to get the logistics figured out now. I may have to build a mobile base for this for now (small garage area for tools) until I get more space but that is not a big deal since I have a welder. I may come back for some tips on it once I get it (adjustment and such).

Well…apparently I did not run fast enough. I had it scheduled to pick up (took the time off work and made it happen) but 2 days before the sellers dad said he wanted to keep the saw as it was his grandfathers. I completely understand the sentimental value in tools.

With that said…I am not searching again. I am trying to decide if I look around for something like this again or use the little saw I have and upgrade the fence until I can save $600-$800 for a good used saw or new Grizzley or such. I am also expanding to Dallas and KC to find the right deal.

So, thanks again guys for the information provided. I really do appreciate it. Hopefully I can post some projects and such soon.

Thanks guys. After looking at some of these, I believe the best course of action would be to buy something that I can grow into a little (maybe not quite a full contractor saw) something like the one of the craftsman saws above. Something I can fully go through and tune up to learn the workings and get familiar with it.

I emailed on both of the ones above. I am hoping to get the cheaper one and add a fence to it (I like the DIY extruded aluminum one I saw on this site).

Again…thank you guys for the guidance. I am very new and it is appreciated.

Well I am picking up a Craftsman 113.299040 for $150 in very good condition. I appreciate the feedback to this point. I will tear it down and clean/paint/wax what I need to. I may start another threat of I need some help.